Patrol

Florida Deputy Killed During Four-County Pursuit

A Hernando County (Fla.) Sheriff's deputy died early Sunday in a crash during a high-speed pursuit through four counties.

Dep. John Mecklenburg, 35, was killing in the pursuit that began at 4:40 a.m. when a driver was spotted heading the wrong way on U.S. 41 in Brooksville. Officers tried to stop Michael James Anthony, 35.

Officers successfully performed the "precision immobilization technique" on Anthony, who then continued the pursuit. The Brooksville PD and Florida Highway Patrol were also involved in the pursuit.

Dep. Mecklenburg was killed near U.S. 41 and Painter Place after losing control of his cruiser, veering onto the shoulder, and hitting a tree.

"Dep. Mecklenburg was attempting to apprehend a suspect who was actively placing innocent lives at risk," Hernando Sheriff Al Nienhuis said in a statement. "Please keep the Mecklenburg family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."

The chief of the Nashville Metro Police Department took to Twitter late last week to plead for citizens to thank a police officer, appreciate the difficulty of their jobs, and understand that despite being fewer in numbers officers are being asked to do more and more every day.

The Florida Highway Patrol Training Academy posted on Facebook, "It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Master Sergeant Daniel Hinton. Master Sergeant Hinton suffered cardiac arrest during a training exercise and was transported to Gulf Coast Hospital where he later passed away."